1803 1C Small Date, Small Fraction MS65 Red and Brown PCGS. CAC.
S-254, B-13, R.1. Breen Die State I, before the usual obverse
die crack appears through the drapery at the bust tip. The S-254
ranks among the plentiful R.1 die marriages of 1803 cents, but none
are common in any grade even approaching the present specimen. For
all 24 die pairs of 1803 cents, combined, PCGS has only certified
12 coins in Red and Brown, and one in Red, including all grades.
That total includes just two submissions graded MS65 Red and Brown,
and two others in higher grades (11/11).
This superlative Gem 1803 cent is the second finest known of the
variety, according to Bill Noyes, and it is the plate coin in his
reference, United States Large Cents 1793-1814. Del Bland
considers the piece in a third place tie in his census.
Substantial red mint luster remains with a slight overlay of olive
and tan on each side. The remaining mint red is especially
remarkable, as few cents of the era retain any red mint color. This
piece is sharply defined, with only the usual slight weakness on
the leaves. A few tiny obverse specks are evident. The surfaces are
remarkable for a Draped Bust cent, void of distracting blemishes.
This piece has undoubtedly been well-preserved since the day it was
struck. MRB MS65.Ex: C. David Pierce; Abe Kosoff (Numismatic Gallery, privately,
12/3/1946); R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. (2/23/1993); Eric Streiner;
Jay Parrino (4/16/1996; W.M. "Jack" Wadlington; Chris
Victor-McCawley; Stack's (11/2007), lot 301.(Registry
values: N7079) (PCGS# 1483)

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